🌀Tropical Update: The ever-evolving forecast at least it keeps the weather forecasting fun. A non-tropical area of low pressure could form along a frontal boundary a few hundred miles off the North Carolina coastline, and it could develop into a tropical system late this weekend into early next week and move into North Carolina. Named or not, I think we'll see periods of rain, some heavy at times, Monday-Wednesday across parts of Central and Eastern, which could result in Flash Flooding. The system is being watched solely by models, and this is a homegrown thing, so we'll have to watch it play-by-play as one would say. No models show the system getting really strong, but a weak Tropical Storm can't be ruled out. Rain with some wind would be the theme; several inches of rain is possible early next week. I know people are going to ask about Tornadoes, it is too soon to know about that threat but I'll be monitoring and updating you through the weekend. No concerns about that this weekend. Coastal Flood, there could be some coastal flooding due to the King Tides along the coast Sunday-Wednesday, so watch out for some higher-than-usual tides. If you have plans along the coast for the next few days, you'll be fine, but plan for rain at times and maybe some gusty winds.
This weekend, we will see some scattered showers on and off along the coast and some inland, not directly related to this low pressure. If you're heading, be aware of high surf and high rip currents.
The Bottom Line: A low-pressure system could develop off the coast late weekend and move inland early next week, potentially a weak tropical storm. Be aware of some heavy rain possible from this and gusty winds across Central and Eastern NC. It won't be a huge deal, but it is something to keep an eye on over the weekend. I'll be watching trends and post updates; no, we're not getting a hurricane or anything strong; basically, a rain event is the main thing, with the potential of some gusty winds and coastal flooding, too. I'll keep you updated like I always do.
-Ethan
Thank you, Ethan!